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Please help me choose an exhaust that is right for me.
Here's the problem. I have a fully built 396 with ported heads, aggressive cam, 58mm tb, long tube hookers with 3 inch collectors and I'm looking for a cat back exhaust, but I don't want a loud one. In fact, I want it as quiet as possible without sacrificing HP. I know every plus has a minus, so I'm looking for a happy median.
I've seen quite a few posts about exhausts and the Group Purchase on the Corsa is an awesome deal, but they come with 2 1/2 inch piping.
Can anyone suggest a 3" cat back system that is a happy median for me? I want as much flow as possible without the resonance.
You've come across the same delima that we all have ... No one makes a 3" dual exhaust w/o major resonance, and the corsa 2.5 inch does not flow enough (don't listen to their BS that 2.5 is just as good). I actually purchased a Corsa Viper dual 3" system, and am considering welding the mufflers and resonators end-to-end and putting them on my vette. This will obviously take some customizing and welding, so I may test out an alternative first before cutting up the viper system.
95 LT1 and yes it is the stock system now, only its not mounted back on yet. After adding the longtubes and eliminating the cats, it will need to be welded back together. Thus this is the perfect time to look for a new cat back system.
You've come across the same delima that we all have ... No one makes a 3" dual exhaust w/o major resonance, and the corsa 2.5 inch does not flow enough (don't listen to their BS that 2.5 is just as good). I actually purchased a Corsa Viper dual 3" system, and am considering welding the mufflers and resonators end-to-end and putting them on my vette. This will obviously take some customizing and welding, so I may test out an alternative first before cutting up the viper system.
Thanks for the candidness Dan. I needed someone who's gone through this to give me the real dirt. Keep me posted on your experiment.
Your best bet without the resonance and noise is going to be Corsa. The "say" that their system has been tested up to 500RWHP. So if that is true unless your engine exceeds that or is supercharged it should work well. B&B is the only commercially available 3" system out there now. And it is pretty loud. Their system has a resonator that necks down to 2.5" inside and from what I have heard it doesn't resonate as bad as their older systems.
I have their 3" system with an X pipe and presently it does not have any CATs attached. My car is LOUD at this time and does resonate from stop and go traffic.
Seems like a LT4 stock exhaust with 2.75" pipe & factory H-pipe might just be the quiet upgrade you are looking for. You would probably loose less than 10 hp compared to the resonating 3" system.
With a little looking you could probably find a used LT4 exhaust free or atbworst dirt cheap.
I am not sure about the B&B resonator necking down to 2.5", I am nearly 100% sure the B&B resonator on my system stays at 3 inches. I don't remember any necking down. My system is about 1997 vintage. I just bought a 3" magnflow x-pipe to replace the resonator, but I have not installed it yet.
All the late released versions of the B&B has a resonator that necked down. They have even changed the muffler design since yours was purchased in 97. I think that your system has a straight through design. My rear mufflers has a zig zag perforated core in it rather than straight perforated tubing.
Switching from the Corsa System with it's inadequate 2.5 inch pipe sizes - to the 3 inch B&B system was worth 29 hp!!!! It is also interesting to note that the Random Tech metalic substrate cats only reduced power by 5 hp!
Don't be such a pansy, just get the B&B with an X pipe in place of the resonator. The last thing you want to do is choke off that 396. Not only does the B&B flow great it looks beautiful. Some 4.10 gears will keep you out of the resonating RPM range. Besides, you'll have a system to cover up the noise :D
Thanks for all the responses guys. I was leaning towards the Corsa, so BIG THANKS to Mr6spd for pointing out the HP difference. 29hp is ALOT to give up considering how much I've spent just to gain HP. I'm going to look for a 3" catback. I'm considering the B&B and Magnaflow. I've read alot of negative feedback on the B&B due to its loudness.
Anyone have an opinion on the Magnaflow 3" catback?
TPIS makes a 3" cat-back system using 3" Flowmasters. The center section is a 3.5" siamesed pipe that acts like an H crossover. The mufflers have dual tips. If you do the flow calcs, the 3.5" center section flows equal to two 3" pipes, and the 2.5" tips flow the same as one 3" exit.
I know the rag on Flowmasters has been the resonance. These are probably not as quiet as the Corsas, but they have been very drivable on my 6speed.
With the tips extending past the rear fascia, the resonance is minimal in my car (383 CID, 500hp). Only the Power Effects in the open position have less backpressure.